Attorneys

Benjamin L. Polakoff is a partner in the Firm's business law department. He concentrates in commercial real estate, banking, and commercial lending law. His commercial real estate practice focuses on the representation of real estate developers in land acquisition, development, financing, and leasing. He also advises clients on land use and zoning matters.

In addition, Mr. Polakoff represents and advises banks and other lenders in commercial financing transactions.

Representative Transactions

Mr. Polakoff regularly advises developers, lenders, and other parties in multi-million dollar commercial real estate transactions, business loans, and other matters. In particular, he:

• Represents a regional furniture retailer with over 140 locations in all aspects of leasing and related transactions.
• Has represented regional developers in the acquisition of over 1000 acres of developed and raw land in central Maryland. The transaction included the acquisition of a premier golf course facility and related assets.
• Has represented a regional bank in connection with its $6.7 million loan for construction of a national franchise hotel, the acquisition of related equipment and furnishings, and the refinancing of existing debt.
• Has represented a national bank in a series of SBA 7a loans for the acquisition of a portfolio of 14 national franchise family-style restaurants throughout Maryland and Virginia. The loans totaled approximately $5 million and were secured by both fee simple and leasehold properties.
• Has represented a county government in the leasing of a 680,000-square foot industrial complex.

News and Publications

In January 2008 Ben Polakoff launched a new blog: Around the Block: Maryland Real Estate Events and News. A resource for the state's commercial real estate community, the site offers a calendar of upcoming CRE events and regular CRE news updates.

"Tenants Must Give Timely Notice." March 10, 2006. On Chesapeake Bank of Maryland v. Monro Muffler⁄Brake Inc. and lease renewal notices. The Gazette of Politics & Business.

"Stay Informed, Active in the Zoning Process." July 4, 2003. On the Baltimore City and Baltimore County zoning codes. The Baltimore Business Journal.

"Subleasing Is Viable Option in Today's Economy." December 6, 2002. On the virtues and mechanics of sublease agreements. The Baltimore Business Journal.